Distance Learning Program
A distance learning program is an educational program that is delivered either partially or totally away from the college campus. The method of delivery of the coursework varies among distance learning programs. A distance learning program that is print based means that the student purchases a book, receives a syllabus, completes assignments, and submits the assignments through the mail or fax. An online distance learning program involves communication through the internet. Most colleges have a distance learning website where courses can be accessed and a virtual classroom is present. Assignments can be submitted through the websites and quizzes and tests can be accessed. A distance learning program that is videocassette or television based requires the student to either watch lectures or movies on a video that the college disperses or on a channel where the college broadcasts educational programs. A hybrid distance learning program mixes distance education with some face-to-face contact with a professor. The student may be required to go to campus several times throughout the semester to attend lectures, test reviews, or labs. Some courses require conference calls to communicate with the professor and other students. The distance learning program can require testing to be completed at the university campus with a facilitator.
A hybrid distance learning program has some advantages to a strictly online program. Although the student will have to travel to the university on one or more occasions, interaction with a professor can be helpful. Some coursework is easier to understand with a teacher explaining the material or walking the student through it. A student of a distance learning program can often feel disconnected from the college experience and attending the university throughout the semester can help alleviate that feeling. Many times the instructor will tell students what to expect on exams or have on campus review sessions which can be extremely helpful. Connecting with other students in a hybrid distance learning program can lead to the opportunity for discussions with classmates or the creation of peer study groups.
